This seminar will explore a wide range of issues on social justice, social identity and intergroup relations, community, and everyday politics and democracy. It will examine the possibilities for building community across race, gender, class, sexual orientation and religion as students explore their own racial and other social group identities.

How do we have constructive conversations and dialogue about our different perspectives, beliefs, experiences and backgrounds?

How do we develop the practice of civic engagement along with the skills of boundary-crossing to build vibrant communities and a strong democracy in our schools, neighborhoods, cities, and governments?

To what extent do the American ideals and its democratic principles continue to provide a bond for our society in the face of growing social divisions and inequalities?

Course Requirements:

All students are expected to participate actively in class discussions, read carefully, and write extensively. Students will observe and participate in a number of engaging intergroup dialogue exercises and community-based activities.

Intended Audience:

Students from diverse backgrounds are encouraged to enroll in this seminar, bringing personal experience and perspective to enrich the discussion of theoretical readings.

Syllabi are available to current LSA students. IMPORTANT: These syllabi are provided to give students a general idea about the courses, as offered by LSA departments and programs in prior academic terms. The syllabi do not necessarily reflect the assignments, sequence of course materials, and/or course expectations that the faculty and departments/programs have for these same courses in the current and/or future terms.